Starting Over at the Vineyard in Alsace by Julie Stout is book two in the Domaine des Montagnes series. Even though I haven’t read book one, I had no Starting Over at the Vineyard in Alsace by Julie Stout is book two in the Domaine des Montagnes series. Even though I haven’t read book one, I had no issue following the story. It works well as a start alone.
It’s easy to understand why the protagonists have issues. However, I wanted to sit them down and say enough! Get over yourself and live your life. I’m glad they were able to begin to work through the grief and independence issues that afflicted them.
The many secondary characters were a nice addition, and I am sure we’ll see more of them in the rest of the series. At least I assume there will be more books to come. Ellie and Henri are sure to have a few tales of their travels, and we are left with weddings to plan and babies to be born.
This a nice story. I honestly like the secondary characters more than the heroine. Lottie comes off a bit on the childish side. She seems to have a lot of pent up resentment as well as trust issues to work through on her way to becoming a better partner, mother, daughter and sister. If there are sequels, I hope we see her continuing to mature.
I rate this a solid 3.5/5. Lovers of destination romance and dramatic characters will enjoy it.
Merged review:
Starting Over at the Vineyard in Alsace by Julie Stout is book two in the Domaine des Montagnes series. Even though I haven’t read book one, I had no issue following the story. It works well as a start alone.
It’s easy to understand why the protagonists have issues. However, I wanted to sit them down and say enough! Get over yourself and live your life. I’m glad they were able to begin to work through the grief and independence issues that afflicted them.
The many secondary characters were a nice addition, and I am sure we’ll see more of them in the rest of the series. At least I assume there will be more books to come. Ellie and Henri are sure to have a few tales of their travels, and we are left with weddings to plan and babies to be born.
This a nice story. I honestly like the secondary characters more than the heroine. Lottie comes off a bit on the childish side. She seems to have a lot of pent up resentment as well as trust issues to work through on her way to becoming a better partner, mother, daughter and sister. If there are sequels, I hope we see her continuing to mature.
I rate this a solid 3.5/5. Lovers of destination romance and dramatic characters will enjoy it....more
The Ocean Raiders is the second Nicholas Foxe adventure story I’ve read. It’s better than the first one! Author Jackson Coppley manages to keep the acThe Ocean Raiders is the second Nicholas Foxe adventure story I’ve read. It’s better than the first one! Author Jackson Coppley manages to keep the action and adventure going from page one to the finish.
The pacing is electric. The characters from the first adventure continue their quest to solve the mysteries of the items they’ve uncovered. I especially love the female characters. They are smart, brave, and sassy. The new characters are many and diverse. Although some are not destined to survive this book, I hope to see several continue in the series.
The settings are once again lushly described. I’ve never been to Venice, but I can envision it perfectly from Coppley’s words.
The Ocean Raiders is a perfect blend of science fiction with history and personal relationships creating an excellent book for lovers of nearly all genres.
I will anxiously await the next Nicholas Foxe adventure.
Merged review:
The Ocean Raiders is the second Nicholas Foxe adventure story I’ve read. It’s better than the first one! Author Jackson Coppley manages to keep the action and adventure going from page one to the finish.
The pacing is electric. The characters from the first adventure continue their quest to solve the mysteries of the items they’ve uncovered. I especially love the female characters. They are smart, brave, and sassy. The new characters are many and diverse. Although some are not destined to survive this book, I hope to see several continue in the series.
The settings are once again lushly described. I’ve never been to Venice, but I can envision it perfectly from Coppley’s words.
The Ocean Raiders is a perfect blend of science fiction with history and personal relationships creating an excellent book for lovers of nearly all genres.
I will anxiously await the next Nicholas Foxe adventure....more
Sedona by Kerry Fryar Freeman will make you fLearn more about this book & read a guest post from the author on my website: https://ginaraemitchell.com
Sedona by Kerry Fryar Freeman will make you fall in love with Sedona’s beauty and mysticism while taking you on a journey of healing and self-discovery. Cal Novak’s move from Atlanta, Georgia, to this iconic Arizona town serves as the perfect backdrop for a story filled with rich, vibrant characters who each bring something special to the table.
Freeman does an excellent job of immersing readers in the natural wonders of Sedona, making the setting feel like a character in its own right.
Transformation and finding peace are recurring themes throughout the book, making it a compelling read for anyone who has ever sought a fresh start.
While the plot may occasionally lean towards the predictable, the warmth of the characters and the vivid descriptions of Sedona’s landscapes make this novel a soothing and uplifting experience.
It’s a beautiful escape for those in need of some inspiration and tranquility.
I received a copy of the book for the tour. This review is my honest, unbiased opinion....more
This short, 94-page memoir is one of the most touching I’ve read. It’s a series This review first appeared on my website: https://ginaraemitchell.com.
This short, 94-page memoir is one of the most touching I’ve read. It’s a series of blogs written by Dr. Manu Dua as he was going through multiple cancer treatments. He and his sister planned to publish them as a book. Unfortunately, Manu passed before they achieved this goal. His sister, Dr. Parul Dua Makkar, fulfilled the dream by publishing this book after his passing.
Dr. Manu’s words are profound, touching, and brutally honest. He could have focused on the constant struggles, pain, and death, but instead, he has provided a road map of inspiring words to help the reader assess their life and goals and, if the need arises, deal with the harshest of circumstances.
I could have used this book many, many years ago when I lost my brother in an accident. I spent about ten years railing at fate for taking him too soon. Over the next ten years, I reconciled myself to the loss. In recent years, I can finally look back and remember the happy times without dissolving into tears. After reading this memoir, I came to understand that pain is only part of being a survivor. Honoring their memory to the best of our ability is genuinely all we can do.
Life Interrupted is well-written and envelopes the reader in a blanket of peace. I will turn to this beautiful book many times in the future when I need solace and hope.
I received a copy of the book for an iRead Book tour. This review is my honest, unbiased opinion....more
And She Was Never The Same Again is a powerful memoir that takes the reader on a journey deep into the intimate moments of loss and transformation expAnd She Was Never The Same Again is a powerful memoir that takes the reader on a journey deep into the intimate moments of loss and transformation experienced by Dr. Natasha Pryde Trujillo and her family. This intriguing memoir captures the essence of how personal tragedies, rather than breaking us, can shape the very core of who we are, inspiring readers with the resilience of the human spirit.
Dr. Trujillo skillfully narrates the pain of her own losses, weaving them together with the struggles and heartaches of her ancestors. Her candid storytelling creates a heart-wrenching and deeply relatable emotional tapestry. The memoir has the ability to evoke strong empathy, making it resonate with anyone who has faced the inevitable trials of life.
The work is well-written and thought-provoking. It brought tears to my eyes more than once.
This memoir has a universal appeal. Everyone can relate to the shared experience of loss, and Dr. Trujillo’s raw, unfiltered exploration of her own pain makes the book not just a story but a journey of healing and understanding. And She Was Never The Same Again is a touching reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and how our past shapes our present.
I received a copy of the book for a virtual book tour through iRead Book Tours. This review is my unbiased opinion....more
“Oh No He Didn’t: Brilliant Women and the Men Who Took Credit for Their Work” by Wendy Murphy, JD, is an eye-opening look into how women’s accomplishm“Oh No He Didn’t: Brilliant Women and the Men Who Took Credit for Their Work” by Wendy Murphy, JD, is an eye-opening look into how women’s accomplishments have been erased or downplayed throughout history.
Murphy shines a bright, hot spotlight on the many brilliant women who’ve made huge contributions in fields like science, literature, politics, and beyond—only to have their work stolen or misattributed to men. It’s both maddening and fascinating as she relates story after story of these injustices.
Murphy blends her legal expertise with solid research techniques to break down why this keeps happening and what it says about our society. The examples she uses are incredibly relatable. You don’t have to be a scientist, author, or even a women, to understand the wrongs perpetuated against many talented, brilliant women.
The writing style is smart and approachable. It’s the kind of book that makes you shake your head in disbelief but also fires you up to advocate for change.
This isn’t just a history lesson—it’s a wake-up call. “Oh No He Didn’t” is a must-read for anyone who cares about giving credit where credit is due and ensuring women’s voices and achievements are no longer overlooked or downright stolen. This book is as informative as it is empowering.
I received a copy of the book for an iRead Virtual Book Tour. I’m not sure it would have crossed my path otherwise, which would have been a shame, as I found the book enlightening, heartbreaking, and hopeful for the future.
I recommend this book to everyone. Women need to know that they are not alone in this man’s world. It wouldn’t hurt for men to read it to see how prevalent this is and how to prevent themselves from falling into the trap of taking credit for women’s accomplishments. High school and college students should read it to understand how past generations of women were silenced. It’s time for change!
I received a copy of the book for the tour. This review is my honest, unbiased opinion....more
The Case of the Missing Botticelli is perfect for lovers of cozy mystery fiction and especially fans of the old masters of the art world.
I enjoyed theThe Case of the Missing Botticelli is perfect for lovers of cozy mystery fiction and especially fans of the old masters of the art world.
I enjoyed the various threads running through the story. Will the romance between Hadley and Luca thrive or fizzle in the face of opposition from both sides of the families?
Can Hadley solve the mystery of the missing Botticelli? Will Signore Domingo begin to appreciate his assistant and her efforts to save his reputation?
There is so much to enjoy in the tale. The lush settings, the inside look at the art world, and the theft of so many treasures by Hitler and Mussolini during the war, all combine for compelling, fast reading.
There is a short continuation at the end of the book where Hadley takes on a new case about a missing Vermeer. It’s a nice bonus novella.
I received a copy of the book for a blog tour. This review is my honest, unbiased opinion.
Merged review:
The Case of the Missing Botticelli is perfect for lovers of cozy mystery fiction and especially fans of the old masters of the art world.
I enjoyed the various threads running through the story. Will the romance between Hadley and Luca thrive or fizzle in the face of opposition from both sides of the families?
Can Hadley solve the mystery of the missing Botticelli? Will Signore Domingo begin to appreciate his assistant and her efforts to save his reputation?
There is so much to enjoy in the tale. The lush settings, the inside look at the art world, and the theft of so many treasures by Hitler and Mussolini during the war, all combine for compelling, fast reading.
There is a short continuation at the end of the book where Hadley takes on a new case about a missing Vermeer. It’s a nice bonus novella.
I received a copy of the book for a blog tour. This review is my honest, unbiased opinion....more
I have not read a Caroline James book before but can assure you this won’t be my last. The characters are lively, well-written, and jump off the page. I have not read a Caroline James book before but can assure you this won’t be my last. The characters are lively, well-written, and jump off the page. The storyline is full of turns and dips but never difficult to follow.
After the death of her husband, Hattie returns to Boomerville. She’s just in time to help her friend Jo in her quest to open a new Boomerville resort in the southern part of Ireland.
With a cast of characters, some old and some new, hilarity ensues as everyone pitches in to get the new resort up and running.
A few darker themes are lurking in the background, such as spousal abuse, murder, mental instability, and drug usage. These are treated with respect.
Overall, this quick read is entertaining, and it’s quite a joy to see characters of a ‘certain age’ presented as vibrant, sexy, hilarious, and full of life.
I read this book for a Rachel’s Random Resources book tour and have written an honest, unbiased review.
Merged review:
I have not read a Caroline James book before but can assure you this won’t be my last. The characters are lively, well-written, and jump off the page. The storyline is full of turns and dips but never difficult to follow.
After the death of her husband, Hattie returns to Boomerville. She’s just in time to help her friend Jo in her quest to open a new Boomerville resort in the southern part of Ireland.
With a cast of characters, some old and some new, hilarity ensues as everyone pitches in to get the new resort up and running.
A few darker themes are lurking in the background, such as spousal abuse, murder, mental instability, and drug usage. These are treated with respect.
Overall, this quick read is entertaining, and it’s quite a joy to see characters of a ‘certain age’ presented as vibrant, sexy, hilarious, and full of life.
I read this book for a Rachel’s Random Resources book tour and have written an honest, unbiased review....more
The Cottage of New Beginnings by Suzanne Snow is the opening book in the new series, Welcome to Thorndale. It's a sweet tale of Annie, who has been leThe Cottage of New Beginnings by Suzanne Snow is the opening book in the new series, Welcome to Thorndale. It's a sweet tale of Annie, who has been let down by people her whole life. After her fiance leaves her a few days before their wedding, she moves to a cottage in the village of Thorndale for a fresh start.
The cottage was left to her by her godmother. She spent summers there as a child, so she has a few friends in the area. She meets Jon, and they have an instant attraction, but love is the last thing she on her mind. Will they overcome their issues to take a chance on love?
The quaint village of Thorndale is going to be a lovely setting for this series. The author paints a beautiful image of the village to make it come alive in your mind. I know I would love to visit.
Many minor characters round out the cast, and you know they will play an essential part in upcoming books. The first book in a series not only has to tell the main story but set up all future sequels. The Cottage of New Beginnings does this exceptionally well.
If you are looking for a sweet, entertaining romance without drama, please give this book a try. It will appeal to readers who prefer clean and sweet stories.
I received a review copy of the book, and this is my honest, unbiased opinion.
Merged review:
The Cottage of New Beginnings by Suzanne Snow is the opening book in the new series, Welcome to Thorndale. It's a sweet tale of Annie, who has been let down by people her whole life. After her fiance leaves her a few days before their wedding, she moves to a cottage in the village of Thorndale for a fresh start.
The cottage was left to her by her godmother. She spent summers there as a child, so she has a few friends in the area. She meets Jon, and they have an instant attraction, but love is the last thing she on her mind. Will they overcome their issues to take a chance on love?
The quaint village of Thorndale is going to be a lovely setting for this series. The author paints a beautiful image of the village to make it come alive in your mind. I know I would love to visit.
Many minor characters round out the cast, and you know they will play an essential part in upcoming books. The first book in a series not only has to tell the main story but set up all future sequels. The Cottage of New Beginnings does this exceptionally well.
If you are looking for a sweet, entertaining romance without drama, please give this book a try. It will appeal to readers who prefer clean and sweet stories.
I received a review copy of the book, and this is my honest, unbiased opinion....more
Karl’s split from his partner led him on a path of self-exploration. His qLearn more about the author and book on my website, www.ginaraemitchell.com.
Karl’s split from his partner led him on a path of self-exploration. His quest for understanding, love, and belonging took him from Los Angeles to Berlin. This honest and heartfelt memoir welcomes readers into the core of Karl’s transformative journey. Rejecting societal expectations, he faces his deepest fears and charts a new course towards self-acceptance.
“How to Burn a Rainbow” is a tale of resilience and bravery that explores complex questions about love, equality, and happiness. Ultimately, it wasn’t Karl’s marriage that defined him; it was his separation.
Karl Dunn shares his personal journey with candor, aiming to cultivate empathy and understanding among individuals facing similar challenges. “How to Burn a Rainbow” transcends being just one man’s narrative; it serves as a guiding light for everyone, regardless of sexual orientation. The book’s intricate storytelling encourages introspection on notions of marriage and self-acceptance, having a profound impact on the reader.
While you might expect this memoir to be a somber read, Karl uses his masterful storytelling abilities and witty humor to create scenes and characters that leap off the page. With his background as a screenwriter, he brings each character, no matter how minor, to life with depth and complexity, making this an engaging read for all audiences—regardless of sexual orientation or relationship status.
“How to Burn a Rainbow” is truly an outstanding debut.
I received a digital copy of the book for review. This is my honest, unbiased opinion.
Karl’s split from his partner led him on a path of self-exploration. His quest for understanding, love, and belonging took him from Los Angeles to Berlin. This honest and heartfelt memoir welcomes readers into the core of Karl’s transformative journey. Rejecting societal expectations, he faces his deepest fears and charts a new course towards self-acceptance.
“How to Burn a Rainbow” is a tale of resilience and bravery that explores complex questions about love, equality, and happiness. Ultimately, it wasn’t Karl’s marriage that defined him; it was his separation.
Karl Dunn shares his personal journey with candor, aiming to cultivate empathy and understanding among individuals facing similar challenges. “How to Burn a Rainbow” transcends being just one man’s narrative; it serves as a guiding light for everyone, regardless of sexual orientation. The book’s intricate storytelling encourages introspection on notions of marriage and self-acceptance, having a profound impact on the reader.
While you might expect this memoir to be a somber read, Karl uses his masterful storytelling abilities and witty humor to create scenes and characters that leap off the page. With his background as a screenwriter, he brings each character, no matter how minor, to life with depth and complexity, making this an engaging read for all audiences—regardless of sexual orientation or relationship status.
“How to Burn a Rainbow” is truly an outstanding debut.
I received a digital copy of the book for review. This is my honest, unbiased opinion....more
Right from the start of Panic Peak, I was hooked. The concept of a single glacier expanding while others are vanishing worldwide immediately caught myRight from the start of Panic Peak, I was hooked. The concept of a single glacier expanding while others are vanishing worldwide immediately caught my curiosity. William A. Liggett does an incredible job of setting up an environmental mystery that feels both timely and eerily plausible.
The story follows Kate Landry, a glaciologist who stumbles upon something much more significant than her research—a geoengineering scheme funded by an international oil cartel. From there, the stakes only get higher, both for Kate’s life and for the planet. Liggett pulls no punches when it comes to showing just how catastrophic these manipulations could be, and that tension kept me turning pages well into the night.
I most appreciated how Panic Peak is more than just a thriller. Kate's personal journey, her relationship with Grant Poole, and the ethical questions raised about geoengineering make it a much deeper read. Liggett weaves science into the story in a way that’s accessible but never feels preachy. The balance between action and introspection was perfect for me.
That said, there were a few moments where I wished the story had explored the geoengineering technology even more—some of the science felt a little rushed. However, this didn’t diminish the story’s impact at all. It just sent me searching for more information, which is always good. Knowledge is power, so they say.
Panic Peak is an exciting, thoughtful, and relevant novel. If you love a gripping thriller with real-world implications, this book will make you think long after turning the last page.
I received a digital copy of the book as part of an iRead Book Tours Promotion. It's also available on Kindle Unlimited.
There's something about the Victorian era that always draws me in—add a Gothic atmosphere, and I'm completely hA Victorian Mystery with a Gothic Twist
There's something about the Victorian era that always draws me in—add a Gothic atmosphere, and I'm completely hooked. When I heard about Nocturne with Gaslamps, I knew I had to get my hands on it. That's why I jumped at the chance to join this Write Reads book tour—early access to a book like this is one of the perks of being a reviewer.
Nocturne with Gaslamps is perfect for fans of quick-read mysteries with a dash of the supernatural. The story is steeped in intrigue, secrets, and hidden truths, all set against the evocative backdrop of a theater and the shadowy, gaslit streets of Victorian London.
At the heart of the tale is Hastings Wimbury, a young man with dreams of playing Hamlet. But for now, he's a gas boy at the theater, tending to a chandelier that seems to have a life of its own and limelight machines that cast shadows that stretch impossibly far. It’s clear that something isn’t quite right here.
When Hastings suddenly vanishes, his fiancée Flora, determined to find him, teams up with Cassie—her rival in love, who’s more concerned with the ghosts haunting London’s streets. As darkness descends on the city, they soon realize that there’s something much more sinister at play…
In Victorian society, ladies weren’t expected to solve mysteries, but Flora and Cassie have no choice—this is a matter of life and death.
I received a copy of the book for the tour. This review is my honest, unbiased opinion.
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